Nagambie Resources Revives Historic Whroo Mines with High-Grade Antimony-Gold Insights

Historical Foundations Illuminate Modern Potential

Nagambie Resources Limited (ASX: NAG) has leveraged a deep dive into the Geological Survey of Victoria's 1877 report on the Whroo Mines, revealing that the antimony veins historically mined there bear a striking resemblance to the recently discovered antimony-gold veins beneath the West Pit at the Nagambie Mine. This historical context not only validates Nagambie's exploration thesis but also invigorates the potential of the Whroo Project, which the company wholly owns.

The 1877 report, authored by William Nicholas, details the complex vein systems at Whroo, including the Balaclava Hill, Albert Reef, and Stockyard Reef, where antimony occurs in paying quantities alongside gold. These veins strike predominantly east-west but are intersected by north-south antimony veins, a structural relationship mirrored in Nagambie's recent findings.

Recent Drilling Confirms High-Grade Mineralisation

Building on this historical framework, Nagambie has highlighted assay results from two diamond drill holes (MDDBC001 and MDDBC002) drilled under the Balaclava Mine by Mawson Gold Limited, now part of Southern Cross Gold. The standout intercepts include 0.6 metres grading 49.7 g/t gold and 0.2 metres with 16.5% antimony, underscoring the project's high-grade potential. These results represent the deepest and highest-grade drilling to date at Whroo, confirming the presence of a broad mineralised zone exceeding 200 metres in width.

Such grades are particularly notable given the epizonal nature of the deposit, akin to other prolific Victorian goldfields like Fosterville and Costerfield, where antimony is a critical by-product. The presence of stibnite (antimony sulphide) alongside gold suggests a valuable polymetallic system that could enhance project economics.

Strategic Exploration Plans and Regional Synergies

Informed by both the 19th-century geological insights and recent drilling success, Nagambie's exploration team is planning an initial program of east-west oriented drill holes beneath the Balaclava and Albert Mines. This approach aims to intersect the north-south striking antimony veins, which are considered prime targets based on structural analogies with the Nagambie Mine's West Pit discoveries.

In addition, the company is considering extending this drilling strategy to the Wandean area, where east-west gold mineralisation was discovered in 2014. This integrated regional approach could unlock multiple high-grade zones within Nagambie's extensive Victorian tenement portfolio.

Collaborative Ventures Enhance Exploration Momentum

The Whroo Project's exploration has benefited from a joint venture with Mawson Gold Limited, which conducted detailed LiDAR surveys and initial drilling. Although Mawson (now Southern Cross Gold) opted to exit the JV without earning an interest, their work significantly advanced the understanding of the Whroo goldfield, extending the mapped strike length to 14 kilometres and identifying over 34,000 historic workings.

Nagambie retains full ownership of the project and is poised to capitalize on this groundwork. The company's chairman, Kevin Perrin, emphasised the value of integrating historical data with modern exploration techniques, highlighting Whroo as a key asset complementing the flagship Nagambie Mine.

Looking Ahead: Unlocking Whroo's Hidden Value

While the historical data and recent drilling results are promising, Nagambie cautions that further exploration is required to define a mineral resource at Whroo. The upcoming drilling program will be critical in testing the continuity and grade of the antimony-gold veins at depth. Success here could materially enhance the company's resource base and provide a new high-grade polymetallic asset in Victoria's prolific goldfields.